| Hampshire U18 Girls back on the winning trail |
| Monday, 10 November 2008 | |
 Hampshire's Under 18 Girls team welcomed Kent to Winchester RFC for a repeat of the semi final of the Sussex festival last month where Hampshire won by a golden try and the home side ran out 17 points to 5.A close game was expected and the early exchanges indicated that this was to be true with all the play happening in the middle of the pitch. Each set of forwards sizing the other up and each laying down own their marker.
Hampshire forced a line out on Kent’s 22 and with good hands in the ball was moved out to the wing and with still a little work to do Donna Rose forced herself across the line with the first points to Hampshire 5-0.
Within 5 mins of the first score Hampshire added their second with an identical move to the first try which again saw Donna Rose force herself across the line having to round or through 3 defenders.
Half time loomed with both sides exchanging territory with Hampshire having the better of the half both in points and possession H-T 10-0.
The second half saw Hampshire apply the pressure on the Kent defence which held firm under the Hampshire onslaught to their lines. The ball was cleared from the Kent defence when the Hampshire backs moved the ball out to winger Jaz Clarke who broke from just inside the Kent half to score under the posts. Hannah Gifford added the conversion. 17-0
This score seem to wake Kent up and they themselves then put the pressure on the Hampshire lines and after some strong Hampshire defence, the line finally cracked for Kent to score from close range 17-5
Paul Beckett, Hampshire’s Head Coach “It was nice to get back to winning ways, the girls played well today, a couple of areas to work on but the I am happy with the girls progress”
Next up for the Hampshire U18 Girls will see the visit of Berkshire on November 30th with their new England U20 recruits. |